The best time to visit Cape Verde
The best time to visit Cape Verde for warm, sunny weather is April to July, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 83/100 with daytime highs around 23°C / 73°F. March and August are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in August at 28°C.
Cape Verde by month, averaged across 4 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79 | 22° / 72°F | 27 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| February | 79 | 22° / 72°F | 25 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| March | 82 | 22° / 72°F | 11 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| April | 83 | 22° / 72°F | 8 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| May | 83 | 23° / 73°F | 5 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| June | 83 | 23° / 73°F | 5 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| July | 83 | 25° / 77°F | 9 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| August | 77 | 26° / 79°F | 39 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| September | 73 | 27° / 81°F | 59 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| October | 78 | 26° / 79°F | 33 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| November | 78 | 25° / 77°F | 33 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| December | 78 | 24° / 75°F | 35 mm | 25° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: April to July — Cape Verde's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 83/100, ~23°C / 73°F days). Shoulder season: March and August — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: September, ~27°C / 81°F. Rain stays light most of the year (~289 mm total).
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Praia (1,139 h/yr), Rabil (1,007 h/yr), São Pedro (1,007 h/yr). See every Cape Verde destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.